IT WAS an early start for Dunbar’s RNLI crew this morning (Saturday) as they were called to assist a male kayaker who had fallen into the water near Skateraw, about five miles south east of Dunbar.

The crew was paged at 6.44am by the Coastguard after the kayaker had fallen into the water while fishing half a mile off shore.

The all weather lifeboat was launched from nearby Torness Power Station at 7.05am.

Two crew members were on board and set off to try and locate the man.

They received help from a passing angler who had spotted him clinging to his boat, they then rescued the man and helped him aboard the lifeboat.

The crew returned to the shore and helped the man reach coastguard teams from Dunbar and North Berwick.

The man was said to be extremely cold and shivery and was then assessed by paramedics, he appeared to otherwise be uninjured.

The lifeboat crew then helped recover the man’s kayak and at 8am were stood down by the Coastguard.

A Dunbar RNLI spokesman said: “Although the kayaker was well-equipped he had been in the water for sometime and was initially reluctant to call for help. We would urge anyone in difficulty in or near the water to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

As Scotland moves into phase two of easing lockdown restrictions, Dunbar RNLI urged that boat users be prepared before returning to the water.

As boats have been sitting idle for the past few months people are asked to make sure they have good, fresh fuel in the tank and that water and oil are at the correct levels.

People are asked to check weather forecasts and sea conditions before setting off and to always wear a lifejacket, should a person fall into the water unexpectedly they are four times more likely to survive if wearing one.

They are also asked to carry a means to call for help and to not put themselves, their family or the emergency services at risk.